Three Manitoban players have been named to Canada’s Under-22 National Women’s Team that will compete at 2007 European Air Canada Cup from January 3-7, 2007 in Germany. The team will be the same as the one that captured two of three games from the USA during a summer exhibition series in Ottawa, ON in August 2006. Named to the team are Laura Fridfinnson of Arborg, Melanie Gagnon of St. Adolphe and Jocelyne Larocque of Ste. Anne. The team will depart for Germany on December 31, 2006.

The roster also includes 2006 Olympic gold medalists Meghan Agosta and Sarah Vaillancourt.

After four years as a four-team, round-robin tournament between Canada, Germany, Finland and Switzerland, teams from Russia and Japan have been added this year to make it a six-nation event.

The teams have been separated into two groups, with Finland, Russia and Switzerland in Group A and Canada, Germany and Japan in Group B.

“We were very pleased with the performance of these 22 players during the summer camp and the exhibition series against the USA, and we’re excited to get to Germany,” said Nancy Wilson, head coach of the Canada’s National Women’s Under-22 Team. “This should be a rewarding experience for everyone involved with our team, while at the same time providing an excellent field for player evaluation, experience and development.”

For more information on the Canada’s National Women’s Team, Canada’s National Women’s Under-22 Team and Hockey Canada’s Female Hockey Programs, visit www.hockeycanada.ca.